Have you ever wondered who 'started' the street sweeping industry?
Benjamin Franklin is the person credited with being the Father of street sweeping. In this article you can read in his own words how he got the idea and started the industry you're now involved with. Read the story.
Alexander Young's Street Sweeper Invention
This is an account of a horse-drawn sweeper, and the person who invented it in 1902, apparently written by the man's great-granddaughter. Read the story.
Radio Interview of the Operator of Canada's "First Practical Street Sweeper"
This great old sound clip was recorded October 30, 1947 by the CBC, in Toronto, Canada. The machine was built by the maintenance staff of the City of Toronto. Link is to a CBC archive with the audio radio interview. Read and hear the story.
World Sweeper Slideshow Site
Here we have lots of photos of early sweepers, sweeper advertisements, and more, including a link to postcards you can send. Have a look! Many of these photos may also be sent to others via email from the WorldSweeper.com Postcard Site, and some are available for purchase.
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Street Cleaning in Teaneck, NJ, 1930s
Today, we take it for granted that our city streets are swept on a routine basis with a machine designed for that purpose. That has not always been the case. Here, from the archives of the Teaneck, NJ, Public Library, is a glimpse into a time when the movement from hand sweeping of streets to a whiz-bang new machine was a big deal. Have a look!
Vintage Patent Prints of Sweepers
Check out this vintage patent reprints site if you want to see some interesting old sweeper drawings. They also sell reprints, which can be a nice addition to your office wall in any sweeping organization. Once on the website, put the term 'sweeper' in their search box. Have a look!
World Sweeper Postcard Site
You can send these images, along with your personal message, to anyone with an email address. That makes them perfect for messages to your sweeping service prospects and clients, as well as to others in the industry. Have a look!
The Tao of Sweeping
For those who might want to pursue the more esoteric roots of sweeping, here is the Kanji sign for sweeping, along with a meditative poem about the occupation of sweeping. Have a look!
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